Bone Valley Book Announcement

Summary

Bone Valley Book Announcement — Podcast Summary

Podcast: Bone Valley
Host: Gilbert King (Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist)
Episode: Bone Valley Book Announcement
Date: August 12, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this special announcement, Gilbert King shares news about his upcoming book, “Bone: A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida,” which expands on the story told in the Bone Valley podcast. The book delves deeper into Leo Schofield’s case, offering new insights, reconstructed trial moments, and behind-the-scenes experiences that didn’t make it into the podcast. King expresses his gratitude to listeners and encourages fans to pre-order the book for exclusive bonuses.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origin of the Book Project

• Gilbert King recalls his introduction to Leo Schofield’s case through Judge Scott Kupp, who approached him at a conference after reading King's previous work.
  • “He handed me his card and told me about Leo Schofield, a man he believed was completely innocent of the murder that had kept him in prison for 36 years.” (00:16)
• The story’s podcast adaptation was not originally intended to become a book.

2. The Decision to Write the Book

• King emphasizes he hadn’t planned to write a book, focusing instead on podcast reporting.
  • “For years I didn’t. I spent that time reporting two seasons of the podcast and several bonus episodes.” (01:08)
• Listener demand played a major role in the decision, with many requesting a more detailed narrative.

3. What the Book Offers Beyond the Podcast

• The book covers:
  • The origins of the Bone Valley podcast and King’s investigative process with Kelsey.
  • Setbacks, breakthroughs, and discoveries not included in audio form.
  • Pivotal trial moments reconstructed due to lack of available media from the 1980s.
  • Testimonies and stories from many figures, including witnesses, attorneys, detectives, and family members whose voices didn’t make it into the podcast.
  • A more expansive, deeply personal exploration of the entire case.
• “In Bone the Book, I’ve reconstructed those trials and brought to life some of the most dramatic and pivotal moments from those cases… In the book, I’m able to go deeper, explore more angles, and bring in scenes that never aired.” (02:10)

4. Behind-the-Scenes Content

• King highlights the popularity of “behind the scenes” podcast moments: investigation fieldwork, interactions, and the process of tracking down Jeremy Scott.
  • “The book is full of those moments and so much more.” (02:58)

5. Audiobook Announcement

• King will narrate the audiobook himself.
• Includes exclusive material not in the podcast (original scenes, new voices).
  • “I’ll be narrating the Bone Valley audiobook. It includes original material, voices and scenes that weren’t in the podcast.” (03:15)

6. Special Offer for Listeners

• First 100 listeners who pre-order and register will receive signed, personalized bookplates from both Gilbert King and Leo Schofield.
  • “If you pre-order, be sure to save your receipt. The first 100 Bone Valley listeners will receive exclusive signed book plates personalized by me and Leo Schofield.” (00:44)

7. Call to Action and Sign-off

• King asks supporters to pre-order and expresses gratitude, with a promise of more Bone Valley content to come.
  • “Thanks as always for listening and stay tuned for a lot more Bone valley to come.” (03:51)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the book’s scope:
  “This is a more expansive version of the story and in many ways a more personal one too.” — Gilbert King (02:43)

• On reconstructing absent trial moments:
  “The absence of audio or video footage from Leo and Jeremy’s original trials in the 1980s limited how much we could share… In Bone the Book, I’ve reconstructed those trials and brought to life some of the most dramatic and pivotal moments from those cases.” — Gilbert King (02:12)

• On what listeners can expect:
  “Even our most devoted listeners would experience something new.” — Gilbert King (03:22)

• On continuing the journey:
  “Stay tuned for a lot more Bone valley to come.” — Gilbert King (03:51)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01 — Gilbert King introduces himself and his prior relationship to true crime writing
• 00:16 — Recalling the first meeting with Judge Scott Kupp
• 01:08 — Explaining the original hesitation to write a book
• 02:10 — Detailing how the book reconstructs trial moments and expands the story
• 02:43 — Book as a more personal and expansive account
• 02:58 — Promising behind-the-scenes investigative content
• 03:15 — Announcement of audiobook with exclusive content
• 03:51 — Closing thanks and encouragement to pre-order

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Summary

This episode is a heartfelt and informative announcement by Gilbert King, sharing the evolution of the Bone Valley story from podcast to book. Listeners are introduced to the new opportunities for depth, nuance, and unreleased content offered by both the book and audiobook formats. King’s tone remains personal, authentic, and appreciative, promising more revelations for fans old and new. The episode effectively bridges the gap between true crime storytelling and ongoing advocacy for justice.

Transcript

[A]

Hi everyone, it's Gilbert. If you followed the Bone Valley podcast, you probably remember that I'm also the author of narrative nonfiction books focused on true crime and criminal justice. In fact, it was at a Florida conference while speaking about my book, Devil in the Grove, that I met Judge Scott Kupp. He handed me his card and told me about Leo Scofield, a man he believed was completely innocent of the murder that had kept him in prison for 36 years. The rest, as they say, is history. Except there's a new wrinkle. I'm excited to announce that I've been hard at work on a book about Leo's case. It's called Bone A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida. It will come out on October 7th, and it's available now for pre order wherever books are sold. If you pre order, be sure to save your Receipt. The first 100 Bone Valley listeners will receive exclusive signed book plates personalized by me and Leo Schofield. Just sign up at the link in the podcast. Details I originally had no intention of writing a book about Leo's case and what happened when Kelsey and I began to work together to tell this story. And for years I didn't. I spent that time reporting two seasons of the podcast and several bonus episodes. But along the way, I realized there was so much more to the story, and since many of you had written to me asking me for more, I decided to return to the format. I've always loved the book, and I'm so glad I did. The book traces the origins of the Bone Valley podcast. When Kelsey and I began the project, we had no idea how vast the story would become or how to navigate a medium we'd never worked in before. We were learning how to make a podcast at the same time we were uncovering the details of Leo's case. Along the way, we faced setbacks and breakthroughs, most of which never made it into the series. I couldn't be prouder of the podcast, but the absence of audio or video footage from Leo and Jeremy's original trials in the 1980s limited how much we could share with you about them. In Bone the Book, I've reconstructed those trials and brought to life some of the most dramatic and pivotal moments from those cases. There are also many witnesses, detectives, attorneys, family members, and investigators whose stories and voices didn't make it into the podcast simply because we didn't have the time or space. In the book, I'm able to go deeper, explore more angles, and bring in scenes that never aired. This is a more expansive version of the story and in many ways a more personal one too. A lot of you have told me that your favorite moments in Bone Valley were the behind the scenes parts, riding along with me and Kelsey as we investigated Leo's conviction and tracked down Jeremy Scott, the man who confessed to killing Michelle Scofield. The book is full of those moments and so much more. And for those of you who've gotten used to hearing my voice, I'll be narrating the Bone Valley audiobook. It includes original material, voices and scenes that weren't in the podcast. I wanted to make sure that even our most devoted listeners would experience something new. I'm excited for you to all read Bone Valley or listen on audiobook. It goes on sale October 7th and I'd appreciate if you want to support it with a pre order. Thanks as always for listening and stay tuned for a lot more Bone valley to come.

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